If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.

Interested in training for your organisation with This is HCD? Let's speak by booking a 15-minute call.

From solo consultant to scaling a design talent powerhouse—Sara Fortier (CEO of Outwitly) reveals what it really takes to grow, hire, and thrive in today’s design economy. Whether you’re a designer eyeing contracting or a leader scaling teams, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Sara Fortier, CEO and founder of Outwitly, about her journey from being a hands-on designer to leading a 20+ person team and connecting contractors with organisations across North America.

Sara shares lessons on contracting, client relationships, hiring, leadership growth, and how AI is reshaping the design industry. If you’re a designer considering contracting, or a leader thinking about scaling your practice, this conversation is full of insights.

Preorder Design Research Mastery:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Research-Mastery-Buy-Products/dp/9063699549

Learn more about Outwitly - Your Trusted UX Partners ™ for building high-impact teams.
http://outwitly.com/

Connect with Sara Fortier on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafortier/

• Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcd
• Support the Ukrainian publishing of This is Service Design Doing (To make service design knowledge accessible in Ukrainian)

Sponsor links

• 10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'
  Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-up
• Check out 'This is HCD x Sutsu' range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Use HCD10 to get 10% off this range.
• Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

Click here to view the episode transcript.